what is the difference between weathering and erosion???
Water ice and living things like lichens on rock all cause weathering.
Once this breaking down has taken place, landforms are reshaped by erosion
hope this helps :)
http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/earth/the-dynamic-earth/weathering-erosion-article/
THANK YOU! :)
Weathering and erosion are two distinct geological processes that contribute to the breaking down and reshaping of Earth's surface. Here's a simplified explanation of each process:
1. Weathering: Weathering refers to the mechanical or chemical breakdown of rocks and other materials at or near the Earth's surface. It is caused by various factors such as exposure to temperature changes, water, wind, and organisms. Weathering can occur in three main ways:
- Physical Weathering: This involves the mechanical breakdown of rocks into smaller fragments without changing their chemical composition. For example, freeze-thaw weathering occurs when water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes, and expands, causing the rocks to crack further.
- Chemical Weathering: This process alters the chemical composition of rocks, breaking them down into new substances. Various chemical reactions, including oxidation, hydrolysis, and carbonation, contribute to chemical weathering. For example, acid rain can chemically erode limestone.
- Biological Weathering: This occurs when living organisms, such as plants and animals, contribute to the breakdown of rocks. Plant roots, burrowing animals, and microorganisms can all cause weathering through their physical actions or chemical processes.
2. Erosion: Erosion involves the transportation and deposition of weathered materials from one location to another by agents like water, wind, ice, or gravity. It is the process by which weathered materials are moved away from their original site. Erosion can occur through various means:
- Water Erosion: This is when flowing water, such as rivers or waves, removes and transports sediments, rocks, and soil particles from one place to another. Water erosion is capable of creating valleys or canyons over time.
- Wind Erosion: Wind can pick up and carry small particles of sand, dust, or soil, leading to erosion. Wind erosion is often seen in deserts or arid regions where vegetation cover is sparse.
- Glacial Erosion: Glaciers are large masses of ice that move slowly and erode the land beneath them. As a glacier advances, it can pick up rocks and sediments, transporting and depositing them elsewhere.
- Gravity Erosion: Also known as mass wasting, this occurs when gravity causes the downhill movement of soil or rock. Examples include landslides, rockslides, and avalanches.
In summary, weathering is the process of breaking down rocks into smaller fragments or altering their chemical composition, while erosion involves the transportation and deposition of those weathered materials by various natural agents.